Speed's definitely a factor, but it ain't the be-all and end-all. Sure, faster transaction times are great for usability. But what makes blockchain special is its security and decentralization.

The whole mining process is designed to take time to ensure all transactions are verified properly. It's like double-checking your math homework - takes a bit longer but you know you're on the money!

So while speed's important, it ain't worth sacrificing the core principles of blockchain: decentralization and security. It’s a balancing act!